Radiation Program Development

Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) 459 supports development of radiation programs and Nevada Administrative Code (NAC)459 gives the program authority to regulate Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM) and Technically Enhanced Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (TENORM). An example of NORM is Radon, an indoor pollutant that is considered to be a leading cause of lung cancer. TENORM are natural products that have been processed, and through this processing have developed a high concentration of radioactive materials and are now a risk to the health and safety of those that are near it. An example is, raw ores that have the desired minerals removed; they can leave behind elevated concentrations of Ra-226 in the tailings.

NORM and TENORM currently have limited regulations. The Radiation Control Program is working with other state programs, agencies and committees to develop a more comprehensive set of regulations for the increased risks due to water, oil, gas and mineral exploration.